Wrought Iron - Eiffel Tower

Practical Archaeology

Often the best way to research an object is to make a replica. The techniques of the blacksmith have not changed so much over the centuries, and the smith may be able to put himself in the shoes of his predecessor, taking account of the constraints of materials and equipment. In a number of instances we have worked successfully with archaeologists to unravel questions about the 'why', in terms of the 'how'.

The Eiffel Tower has undergoing a restoration programme, the first major works since the tower was built in 1889. It was built by Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, which was to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the French Revolution. Its construction in 2 years, 2 months and 5 days was a technical and architectural achievement and was only intended to last for 20 years.

Blink Films captured this major programme of works and explains how, this now iconic monument, has stood the test of time and why the wrought iron material used in its creation is so important.

Blink Films filmed at our workshop the processes; we still use, which would have been used in the making of the 7,300 tonnes of wrought iron for the Eiffel Tower’s construction.

This documentary called Monumental Challenge was shown on the History Channel in March 2011

Year
: 2011

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Practical Archaeology

Wrought Iron - Eiffel Tower

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